If you have flown United in the last month, you have seen the opening video thanking veterans and demonstrating how many work for United. If you haven’t seen it, go to this YouTube site first and then come back here. I have to say that I personally think it is pretty cool for them to recognize the veterans amongst their ranks. Personally, I actually met a C-130 pilot in Qatar who was a USAF Reservist who normally worked for United as a 757 pilot. I thought that was pretty cool and certainly felt safe in his hands on the way to Iraq.

On a related note, United has pledged to support its Reserve Component members as shown in this ceremony last November.

Flanked by veterans and members of the uniformed services, United Airlines Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek today signed a Statement of Support affirming the company’s commitment to the National Guard and Reserves. More than 150 United employees, many of whom are veterans or currently serve in a Guard or Reserve unit, were on hand for the signing ceremony at the airline’s headquarters in Chicago.

“At United, we are honored to have thousands of brave men and women throughout our company who served or are currently serving in the military,” said Smisek. “We take great pride in the training and professionalism they bring to the job every day and are forever grateful for their contributions to our nation.”

By signing the Statement of Support, United pledged to:

Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce while encouraging opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and veterans.

Provide managers and supervisors the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

Continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, crises and war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Tom Bullock, chief of employer outreach for the U.S. Department of Defense’s office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). “United is setting a high standard for all employers to follow by providing above and beyond support of veterans, Guardsmen and Reservists.”

So what do you think of their campaign? Self-serving or a true recognition of the superior service brought to their corporation by Reservists and veterans?

I should note that United is the only airline which offers vets a 5% discount on airfare through Veterans Advantage.